Global Smartphone Market Reaches Highest Shipment Levels Since 2021
The global smartphone market achieved a 2% growth during 2025 which resulted in 1.25 billion units of smartphones being sold worldwide according to the latest Omdia report. The current market performance marks the highest level of achievement which the industry has reached since 2021. All regions experienced shipment growth because customers replaced their outdated equipment except for China which was the sole major market experiencing a decrease.
Apple emerged as the market leader for 2025 after successfully delivering 240.6 million iPhones which represented a 7% sales growth compared to the previous year. The company achieved its goal to become the world's leading smartphone maker after experiencing business growth during the period. The fourth quarter brought substantial success to the company because iPhone 17 demand reached its peak while 26% of sales growth occurred in China.
Samsung achieved business success during the year even though it dropped to second place in market rank. The company succeeded after three years of declining performance through its achievements which resulted in 7% growth. The fourth quarter produced exceptional results because shipments experienced a 16% increase. The Galaxy S and Z series were successful in the market while the budget segment experienced less pressure from Chinese competitors who had been dominating the market.
The secondary rankings experienced significant movement during the entire 2025 period. Xiaomi maintained its third place standing worldwide but its shipment volume dropped by 11% during the final months of the year. vivo achieved its first ever fourth place position in the market after it achieved high sales volume in the Indian market. Honor recorded 11% year over year growth which marked the highest growth rate among all major global manufacturers.
The upcoming year 2026 will bring greater challenges to the industry according to analysts despite its current positive momentum in 2025. The main issue which affects the business operations involves rising memory and semiconductor costs which companies need to build their essential components. The factors which lead to manufacturing pricier products will create financial problems for manufacturers because their markets will require them to raise product prices.
Brands that focus primarily on entry level models or those with less control over their supply chains are expected to face the highest risk in the coming year.
